Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has discussed the future of Lukas Podolski after the German winger scored the winning goal against Anderlecht on Wednesday night.
On as a second half substitute, Podolski scored a late winner to give Arsenal all three points in Belgium.
The German winger has been strongly linked with a January exit in recent weeks, with the player himself confirming that his situation at the Emirates stadium would have to change soon.
And, after the match, boss Wenger praised Podolski and confirmed that he was not close to an exit.
“He was never close to leaving. He has 115 caps for Germany,” Wenger told reporters. “This goal is not a coincidence, that shows you his quality.
“I think he is a guy you want to have the ball in the box. His shot is fantastic, his accuracy is great and he has very short back lift. He nearly scored before and I know when he comes on he can score.”
“He is frustrated and I understand that of course, but he is important and he showed that. He will also be important in the coming months. It took him a while to get back to a good physical level [after the World Cup] and now he is nearly there.”